Gatland’s conundrum will be which of his leading lights to rest and which star names to expose against the physical South Sea Islanders as he aims to provide the right balance against a side who are in Wales’ World Cup pool next year.

Wales are due to name their team on Tuesday lunchtime and are set to be without full-back Leigh Halfpenny (concussion) and outside-half Dan Biggar (groin) with James Hook having been drafted into the squad.

Back three

The full-back position appears to be settled with Liam Williams replacing the injured Halfpenny. Other No.15 alternatives are the recalled Hook and Dragons duo Hallam Amos and Tom Prydie who also provide wing options.

These positions will only be changed if Wales choose to rest first-choice wings George North and Alex Cuthbert.

Liam Williams (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Centres

Gatland went with the physical pairing of Jamie Roberts and North against the Wallabies.

The Fiji midfield selection will depend on the fitness of Scott Williams (hamstring) and Jonathan Davies (shoulder) who both missed the Wallabies loss.

If both players have recovered from their respective injury problems Gatland might be tempted to throw them in together against the South Sea Islanders with Roberts providing cover if needed.

Wales centre Jonathan Davies (Image: Getty Images)

Half-backs

If Wales are consistent in their selection policy Rhys Priestland will be the man to replace the injured Biggar. Despite coming on to some pathetic boos from small pockets of the Millennium Stadium crowd against Australia, the Scarlets outside-half did little wrong in his 30-minute cameo with his half-break crucial in the build-up to the penalty try.

Hook has been drafted into the squad but it will be a major U-turn if he is handed the No.10 jersey. The scrum-half will be an interesting selection to see if Wales want to give Rhys Webb another start following his mixed match against Australia or give Mike Phillips a rare start this season.

We know what Phillips can do so Webb should be handed another chance.

Rhys Priestland of Wales

Front row

Gethin Jenkins had a point to prove against Australia after being left out and certainly made an impression when coming on as a second-half replacement for Paul James. His arrival along with Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin helped transform the scrum and resulted in the penalty try.

The duo will have pushed themselves forward for starting spots alongside Samson Lee who was impressive against the Wallabies and given the credit by his team-mates for the penalty try.

Whether he will be rested for his Scarlets team-mate Rhodri Jones remains to be seen. Given the need to dominate Fiji at the scrum Gatland should resist the temptation.

Second row

One position where Wales have real strength in depth at the moment. There were a few eyebrows raised when Scarlets second-row Jake Ball was selected ahead of Bradley Davies but the bearded bruiser more than justified his place with a barnstorming display.

Gatland will still be tempted to hand Davies a run out this weekend though and might even consider resting star second-row Alun Wyn Jones with Luke Charteris returning to camp after playing for French club Racing Metro.

Back row

Dan Lydiate showed little sign of fatigue despite very little rugby this season with a 75-minute effort typified by a dynamic display including 17 tackles.

Skipper Sam Warburton had an openside battle royal with Michael Hooper as the Lions captain showed signs he was back to his best. Gatland’s dilemma will be whether to give this pair more game time or introduce the creative skills of Justin Tipuric from the outset rather than just a second-half cameo.

The stage would seem set for a first major test start for in-form No.8 Dan Baker as Wales explore their alternative options for the established Taulupe Faletau.

Baker has missed the last month after suffering a neck injury against Treviso but should be fit to wear the Wales No.8 jersey if called upon. His dynamic ball-carrying will provide a different dimension for the Welsh forwards.